May 10 | Little Rock: Home Sweet Home
Little Rock – I’m finally home!

What a whirlwind year I’ve had! Just a few days ago, I arrived home in Arkansas, and Little Rock looks so good to me. Plans have been made, so I will gather my things and meet with the group taking me to the Clinton Library. I hope I get to take a quick tour. Maybe I can sit in the President’s chair!

I can’t believe how many people were standing outside the Clinton Library! There were balloons and a big banner that said, “WELCOME HOME STANLEY.” A band was playing, and there were lots of good Arkansas food. My arm hurt because I shook so many hands. I was thankful that a library docent found me and invited me into the library; I would finally get to take my tour of the Clinton Library.

Because a parade is scheduled for me, I didn’t have a lot of time, so this tour would be quick. I made sure I saw the President’s car because I’d like to drive one like that! My favorite exhibits included Socks the cat and the music area. President Clinton really enjoyed his saxophone! Then, I walked into the Cabinet Room and imagined myself sitting at a meeting there. Hurrying to finish before the parade, I walked by the Oval Office. “Welcome home, Stanley,” said former President Bill Clinton. He came home to greet me and to share this special day with me. Wow! We talked for a few minutes about my adventures, and he was very interested in what I had learned. I would have stayed and told him more, but my time at the library was up. The parade was waiting on me!

I, Stanley, was the Grand Marshall of this parade. As I sat in a big open car, I passed the Old State House and traveled down Center Street to the Governor’s Mansion. The parade slowed and Governor and Mrs. Beebe came out to greet us, and offered to ride with me to the Arkansas State Capitol. I was thrilled to see them again. We continued to the Capitol, and Governor Beebe and I entered into one of the legislative chambers. It was full of people! Many of the state’s senators and representatives had stayed to hear of my travels as the Public Service Student Ambassador for Arkansas. I was applauded; it was thrilling. I felt like a celebrity! After I gave my report, Governor Beebe made a proclamation, charging me with the duty to share my experiences with all the children of Arkansas. I told him I would do my best to continue being a good ambassador.

As I end this travel journal, I have a few reflections that are important. First, anyone can be an ambassador in their local community by getting involved in local projects and activities, so participate in your community. You might do something as simple as planting a tree or volunteering to read to small children. Secondly, I learned that children from Little Rock to Kathmandu to Johannesburg are very much alike. We all have needs and concerns that are similar; we each enjoy music, food, art and culture, and sports; we all have dreams and big plans. I hope I have taught something about Arkansas to everyone I have met, just as they have taught me about their homes and ways of life.